If you’ve been on BookTok in the last year, you already know the name. But now, Off Campus is no longer just a beloved book series — it’s Prime Video’s newest binge-worthy romantic drama, and it just hit screens in May 2026.
Whether you’re a die-hard Elle Kennedy fan who’s read every page of The Deal, or you’re just discovering the Briar University world for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Off Campus TV series — cast, plot, streaming details, Season 2 news, and why this show is already being called one of the best romance adaptations in years.
What Is the Off Campus Series?
Off Campus is a new American romantic drama series that premiered on Prime Video on May 13, 2026. Created by showrunner Louisa Levy and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the show is a direct adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s internationally bestselling book series of the same name.
The book series has sold approximately 3 million copies on Amazon across 24 markets, making it one of the most talked-about romance franchises in the BookTok community. With those numbers behind it, the pressure to deliver a faithful — and fantastic — on-screen adaptation was enormous.
Spoiler alert: the show absolutely delivers.
Based on a Beloved Book Series
The Off Campus book series consists of five novels:
- The Deal (2015)
- The Mistake
- The Score
- The Goal
- The Legacy
Each book (except The Legacy) follows a different couple from Briar University’s elite ice hockey team. Think of it as the Bridgerton model — interconnected love stories, where supporting characters in one book become the leads of the next.
Season 1 adapts the first novel, The Deal, and fans of the book will recognize Hannah and Garrett’s story right away.
The Plot: What Happens in Off Campus Season 1?
Here’s the official synopsis from Amazon MGM Studios:
“A college soap based on the bestselling book series, Off Campus follows an elite ice hockey team, and the women in their lives, as they grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood.”
The Fake-Dating Romance at Its Core
Season 1 centers on Hannah Wells, a quiet, music-loving student at Briar University who has a long-standing crush on Justin, the lead singer of a local college band. She’s passionate, a little guarded, and has a painful past she’s working through.
Then there’s Garrett Graham — captain of the Briar Hawks hockey team, campus legend, and someone who is unexpectedly struggling to keep his grades up.
The two make a deal: Hannah tutors Garrett, and in return, Garrett fake-dates her to make Justin notice her. What neither of them expects? They start catching feelings. Real ones.
It’s a classic opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers romance with real emotional depth — and the show handles it with both humor and heart.
Meet the Cast of Off Campus
One of the most exciting things about this adaptation is the carefully chosen ensemble. Let’s break down who’s who.
Lead Cast
| Character | Actor | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Hannah Wells | Ella Bright | The Crown (young Kate Middleton) |
| Garrett Graham | Belmont Cameli | Saved by the Bell, Until Dawn |
| Justin | Josh Heuston | Dune: Prophecy |
| Allie Hayes | Mika Abdalla | — |
| Logan | Antonio Cipriano | — |
| Tucker | Jalen Thomas Brooks | — |
| Dean Di Laurentis | Stephen Kalyn | — |
| Phil Graham (Garrett’s dad) | Steve Howey | Shameless, High Potential |
| Beau Maxwell | Khobe Clarke | Cruel Intentions reboot |
Ella Bright brings incredible emotional range to Hannah — she’s expressive, grounded, and completely believable as someone wrestling with vulnerability and first love. Belmont Cameli plays Garrett with a charming cockiness that slowly melts into something much more sincere. Their chemistry is undeniable.
What’s also clever about the casting is that the show has already seeded future leads into Season 1. Logan, Tucker, Dean, and Allie are all present as supporting characters, teasing the romances that will carry future seasons.
How Does Off Campus Compare to the Books?
For fans of the source material, this is always the key question. The good news: the show stays true to the heart of The Deal while making smart, modern updates.
Key Changes from the Book
Showrunner Louisa Levy has been transparent about some deliberate tweaks:
- Justin is a musician in the show rather than a football player
- Tucker is a sophomore instead of a junior
- Dean is a senior instead of a junior
- Logan’s mom struggles with alcohol addiction rather than his dad
- The writing team updated Garrett’s storyline involving NCAA rules, since modern college athletes can now earn money — changing some of the tension between Garrett and his father, Phil
These changes keep the story feeling fresh and contemporary without losing what makes it special. As Levy told Bustle: “We have several John Hughes nods in our show, visually speaking…But energetically speaking, we also have a lot of nods to the early-2000s rom-coms, like 10 Things I Hate About You.”
That’s a perfect description of the show’s energy — nostalgic, warm, and genuinely funny.
Where and How to Watch Off Campus
All eight episodes of Off Campus Season 1 dropped at once on Prime Video on May 13, 2026, following Amazon’s binge-release model. Episodes run between 46 and 56 minutes each — long enough to feel cinematic, short enough to keep the pace sharp.
Streaming Details at a Glance
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Season 1 Episodes: 8 (full season drop)
- Release Date: May 13, 2026
- Subscription Cost: $14.99/month (included with Amazon Prime) or $8.99/month standalone
The show is available globally through Prime Video’s app on mobile, smart TVs, streaming devices, and desktop browsers.
Critical Reception: Is Off Campus Worth Watching?
Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive. As of its premiere week, Off Campus holds a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critic reviews.
Critics are praising:
- The natural, layered chemistry between Bright and Cameli
- The show’s tonal balance of lighthearted fun and emotional honesty
- Its Bridgerton-style world-building that sets up future seasons organically
- Standout performances from the supporting ensemble, especially Stephen Kalyn as Dean
Audience reception has been equally enthusiastic, with the show dominating BookTok and social media conversations within hours of its premiere.
Off Campus Season 2: Already Confirmed
Here’s a piece of news that should make every fan breathe a sigh of relief: Amazon Prime Video renewed Off Campus for a second season on February 12, 2026 — before Season 1 even premiered.
That’s a massive vote of confidence from the streamer.
While Season 2 details are currently being kept under wraps, the logical path follows the book series: Season 2 would likely adapt The Mistake, which centers on Logan (Antonio Cipriano), who is already being introduced in Season 1.
Why Off Campus Is the Romance Show We’ve Been Waiting For
Let’s be honest — the romance genre on TV has had a complicated few years. Too many shows lean into melodrama or manufacturing conflict, losing sight of the genuine emotional connection that makes romance compelling.
Off Campus gets it right in several key ways:
- The leads feel like real people. Hannah isn’t perfect; Garrett isn’t just a jock. Both characters carry real emotional baggage, and watching them work through it together is genuinely moving.
- The humor is actually funny. The show has wit, not just quippy one-liners. The banter between characters feels natural rather than scripted.
- It respects its source material. Elle Kennedy, who serves as a producer on the show, helped ensure the adaptation stays true to what fans love about the books.
- The world-building is intentional. Like Bridgerton or One Tree Hill, Briar University feels like a place you want to live in — full of complex relationships, history, and stories waiting to be told.
- The supporting cast is exceptional. Dean, Logan, Tucker, and Allie aren’t background characters — they’re fully realized people, which makes future seasons feel exciting rather than obligatory.
FAQ: Off Campus New Series
1. When did Off Campus premiere on Prime Video?
Off Campus Season 1 premiered on May 13, 2026, with all eight episodes available to stream at once on Prime Video.
2. Is Off Campus based on a book?
Yes. Off Campus is adapted from Elle Kennedy’s bestselling book series of the same name. Season 1 is based on the first novel, The Deal, published in 2015.
3. Who plays Hannah and Garrett in Off Campus?
Ella Bright plays Hannah Wells, and Belmont Cameli plays Garrett Graham. Bright is known for her role as young Kate Middleton in The Crown; Cameli is known for Saved by the Bell and Until Dawn.
4. Will there be a Season 2 of Off Campus?
Yes! Season 2 was renewed by Prime Video in February 2026, before Season 1 even aired. Season 2 is expected to adapt the second book in the series, The Mistake.
5. How many episodes does Off Campus Season 1 have?
Season 1 contains 8 episodes, each running between 46 and 56 minutes. All episodes were released simultaneously on the premiere date.
Conclusion
Off Campus is exactly the kind of show that reminds you why you fell in love with romance storytelling in the first place. It’s warm, funny, emotionally intelligent, and packed with characters you’ll want to follow for years.
Whether you’re coming in as a passionate book fan or a complete newcomer, there has never been a better time to get acquainted with Briar University and its hockey-obsessed, love-struck residents.
Stream all eight episodes of Off Campus Season 1 right now on Prime Video — and brace yourself, because once you start, you won’t stop until the credits roll on episode 8.
And then you’ll immediately start counting down the days until Season 2.
Internal Links (Suggestions):
External Links:
- Off Campus on IMDb — Full cast, crew, and episode details
- Off Campus on Wikipedia — Background, production history
- Prime Video Official — Stream the series